Gold for logistics
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In the months leading up to London 2012 just the word ‘Olympics’ sent a shudder down most operators’ spines. Once the information started coming through, traffic planners had to wade through pages of maps and road restrictions, plot these against customer sites, devise daily schedules, brief drivers and customers, establish if extra drivers and vehicles were required, come up with
contingency plans for failed deliveries, consider night-time deliveries and apply for O-licence variations – all on top of the day-to-day stuff.
We were told to plan for the unexpected. We were told it was going to be chaos on the streets of London. We were told it would not be business as usual. But the Games have come and gone and, judging from the conversations we’ve had with readers, it’s been plain sailing all the way. The Olympian effort that was put into planning deliveries during the world’s biggest sporting event has paid off and everyone deserves a massive pat on the back. The Games were a fantastic success and the industry played its part by keeping London stocked and moving.
The Olympic Route Network was billed by drivers as great and they’d like it to be permanent. Night-time deliveries went relatively smoothly and were more convenient for some customers – particularly in the drinks sector – and several operators told me they’d like the Olympics to be on every week! TfL deserves recognition for communicating so well with our industry and understanding operators’ requirements.
But we mustn’t lose focus: the Paralympics start in less than a fortnight and are set to draw in record crowds, plus the schools will be back so roads will be busier. You have been warned!
Laura Hailstone